Make 2026 Your Best Year Yet: Ten Surfing Resolutions to Embrace

Embrace the Sea: Simple Resolutions for Surfers in 2026

As the dawn of a new year approaches, many surfers like you might be feeling the pressure to make grand resolutions. For those of us who ride the waves, resolutions shouldn't be another burden; they should enhance the joy of surfing. Forget about strict gym schedules and complex strategies! Instead, let’s focus on making a realistic commitment to the ocean with resolutions that are not just achievable but also fun.

Year-Round Surfing: Stay Connected with the Waves

One essential resolution should be to surf at least once every month of the year. Whether it’s the harsh waters of January or the balmy swells of July, the aim is to maintain that connection with the ocean. Consider the cold waters—while they may seem off-putting, they are a part of the surfing experience, offering unique challenges. For those in colder climates, leaning into this can keep the spirit of surfing alive regardless of outdoor conditions.

Challenge Your Skills: Switch Stance Day

Switching your stance for a day can be incredibly refreshing! This resolution encourages you to experience the ocean in a whole new way and reconnect with the beginner’s mindset. When you paddle out in a different stance, you may find that humility and playfulness enter your surfing routine. Engaging with these awkward moments on the board can ultimately teach valuable lessons and improve your overall skills.

Wave Count Challenge: Quality Over Quantity

Next on your list can be the wave count challenge. Instead of hoarding waves during a session, set limits for yourself before paddling out. Aim to catch just a few, and deliberatively let others pass by. This forces you to focus on positioning, patience, and ultimately enjoyment—reminding you that the ocean won’t run out of waves, and sometimes the quality of experience is more rewarding than quantity.

Mindfulness in Surfing: No-Complaint Sessions

Engaging in no-complaint sessions can dramatically enhance your surfing experience. Without focusing on the wind, crowds, or the leftover foamies from beginners, each surf session can feel more rewarding. Cultivating a mindset where you leave complaints on the beach transforms challenges into puzzles to solve, fostering a deeper enjoyment of each wave.

Leave Ego at the Shore: A Refreshing Approach

In a sport that often encourages showboating, vow to leave your ego on the beach. Focus on the waves you genuinely want rather than those that boost your status. This resolution allows for an honest relationship with your surfing, keeping your motivations pure and rooted in love for the sport itself.

Groove on Your Own Time: Surf Without a Watch

Break free from the constraints of time by opting to surf without a watch. Instead of focusing on how many minutes are left in your session, pay attention to your body's signals. When you tune into your environment, retrieving your natural instinct for the session's end can result in an unexpectedly fulfilling time on the waves.

Give Back: Quick Beach Cleanups

While you might not have half an hour to spare, committing to one quick beach cleanup per session is an excellent way to give back to your surfing environment. Each piece of litter you pick up reinforces the idea that surfing is a community effort and not just an insular activity. These small acts communicate the respect surfers should have for the shores that provide the thrill.

Try the Awkward Wave Challenge

With a spirit of adventure, tackle the awkward wave challenge: take on the waves that others won’t. It may seem counterintuitive, but learning to ride less-than-perfect waves encourages flexibility and resilience. Ultimately, not every ride needs to be Insta-perfect; the true essence of surfing is to have fun!

Reset the Mood: Sunrise or Sunset Streak

Committing to surf during the quiet moments of sunrise or sunset can reshape your perspective on surfing. These hours are less about performance, and more about appreciating the surroundings as the light shifts and the ocean hums a different tune. It's not just a resolution; it’s an invitation to embrace the serene beauty of nature.

Celebrate Together: International Surfing Day

Finally, mark International Surfing Day on your calendar. This occasion isn’t just about catching waves; it’s about joining fellow enthusiasts worldwide. Knowing that others are out there experiencing the ocean in their unique ways could rekindle the joy of surfing. It’s not just about individual surfing; it’s a day for community and shared passion.

Conclusion: Surfing Resolutions for a Joyous Year Ahead

2026 can be your best year yet in the water. By embracing these simple resolutions, you allow for a more fulfilling relationship with your surfing practice. Let's approach next year with excitement, and an open heart, celebrating every wave!